Pre-assembled coupling assemblies with pipe fitting

ABSTRACT

A method for using a pre-assembled coupling assembly, the method including providing a pipe fitting defining an inner end and an outer end, the pipe fitting defining an axis; axially inserting the inner end of the pipe fitting into a gasket, a portion of the pipe fitting within the gasket positioned radially outward from a portion of the gasket; and assembling a housing around the gasket, the housing and the gasket forming a coupling, the coupling retained on the inner end of the pipe fitting when the coupling is in a relaxed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/044,161, filed Jul. 24, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/538,480, filed on Jul. 28, 2017, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to couplings and pipe fittings. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to couplings which are retained onpipe fittings to form a pre-assembled coupling assembly.

BACKGROUND

Pipe couplings are commonly used to connect two pipe elements, such aspipe lengths and pipe fittings, to assemble a piping system. Pipefittings can include elbows, tees, caps, valves, reducers, sprinklers,and other types of pipe fittings. Slip-on pipe couplings are one type ofpipe coupling which can be slipped over the ends of two adjacent pipeelements in a relaxed position and then tightened to a tensionedposition to connect the two pipe elements together. It can be difficultfor a single worker to align both pipe elements and secure the ends ofthe pipe elements within the coupling while tightening the coupling.Often multiple workers cooperate to couple the pipe elements togetherwhich can reduce efficiency and increase the man hours required toassemble the piping system.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a pipe fitting configured for engagement with a coupling,the pipe fitting comprising a first end, the pipe fitting defining araised lip at the first end; and a second end disposed opposite from thefirst end, the pipe fitting defining a groove between the raised lip andthe second end.

Also disclosed is a pre-assembled coupling assembly comprising acoupling, the coupling defining a coupling bore extending through thecoupling, the coupling comprising a gasket disposed within the couplingbore, the gasket being relaxed and uncompressed when the coupling is ina relaxed position; and a pipe fitting, the pipe fitting defining afirst end and a second end, the first end inserted into the couplingbore, the coupling retained on the first end of the pipe fitting whenthe coupling is in the relaxed position.

Also disclosed is a method for using a pre-assembled coupling assembly,the method comprising providing a pipe fitting defining an inner end andan outer end, the pipe fitting defining an axis; axially inserting theinner end of the pipe fitting into a gasket, a portion of the pipefitting within the gasket positioned radially outward from a portion ofthe gasket; and assembling a housing around the gasket, the housing andthe gasket comprising a coupling, the coupling retained on the inner endof the pipe fitting when the coupling is in a relaxed position.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. The drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale.

Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is an end view of a pre-assembled coupling assembly comprisingtwo couplings and a pipe fitting defining a raised-lip pipe inaccordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembled couplingassembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is end view of a raised-lip end of the raised-lip pipe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the raised-lip end ofthe raised-lip pipe of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of another aspect of thepre-assembled coupling assembly wherein the pipe fitting defines anelbow fitting in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B is an end view of the pre-assembled coupling assembly of FIG.5A.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembled couplingassembly of FIG. 5A taken along line 5C-5C shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the elbow fitting of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6B is an end view of the elbow fitting of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of the elbow fitting of FIG. 5Ataken along line 6C-6C shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly of FIG. 5A with a pipe in accordance with anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a first raised-lipend of the pre-assembled coupling assembly of FIG. 5A and the pipe ofFIG. 7 shown with the coupling in a tensioned position.

FIG. 8B is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the first raised-lipend of the pre-assembled coupling assembly of FIG. 5A and the pipe ofFIG. 7 shown with the coupling in a relaxed position.

FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a pressure relief channelof the elbow fitting of FIG. 5A taken along line 9-9 shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of another aspect of thepressure relief channel in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 7 with anotheraspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly wherein the elbow fittingdefines a secondary key in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 7 with anotheraspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly with another aspect of theelbow fitting in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure wherein the elbow fitting is a recessed elbow fitting.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of another aspect of thepre-assembled coupling assembly comprising another aspect of thecoupling wherein the coupling comprises a C-style gasket in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 7 with anotheraspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly comprising another aspectof the coupling wherein the gasket is a modified rimmed gasket, andanother aspect of the elbow fitting in accordance with another aspect ofthe present disclosure, wherein the elbow fitting is a grooved elbowfitting.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pipe fittingdefining a weldolet in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15B is an end view of the weldolet of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional side view of the weldolet of FIG. 15Ataken along line 15C-15C shown in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pipe fittingdefining a mechanical tee in accordance with another aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16B is an end view of the mechanical tee of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a side view of the mechanical tee of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pipe fittingdefining a tee fitting in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17B is an end view of the tee fitting of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional side view of the tee fitting of FIG. 17Ataken along line 17C-17C shown in FIG. 17B.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pipe fittingdefining an end-of-line elbow in accordance with another aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 18B is an end view of the end-of-line elbow of FIG. 18A facing araised-lip end of the end-of-line elbow.

FIG. 18C is an end view of the end-of-line elbow of FIG. 18A facing asocket end of the end-of-line elbow.

FIG. 18D is a cross-sectional side view of the end-of-line elbow of FIG.18A taken along line 18D-18D shown in FIG. 18C.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly wherein the pipe fitting defines a check valve inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembled couplingassembly of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly wherein the pipe fitting defines a disc valve inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembled couplingassembly of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly wherein the pipe fitting defines a ball valve inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21B is a side view of the pre-assembled coupling assembly of FIG.21A showing a partial cross-section.

FIG. 21C is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly of FIG. 21A taken from Detail 21C shown in FIG. 21B.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly wherein the pipe fitting defines a flanged fitting inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional side view of the pre-assembled couplingassembly of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of another aspect of the elbow fittingwherein each of the raised-lip ends is a stop lip end in accordance withanother aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23B is a side view of the elbow fitting of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional detail view of the stop lip end takenalong line 23C-23C shown in FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24A is an end view of an aspect of the pre-assembled couplingassembly comprising the elbow fitting of FIGS. 23A.

FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional detail side view of the stop lip end ofthe pre-assembled coupling of FIG. 24A taken along line 24B-24B shown inFIG. 24A with the pipe of FIG. 7.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the elbow fitting defining another aspect ofthe stop lip ends wherein the raised lip is a continuous stop lip inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a pre-assembled coupling assembly and associated methods,systems, devices, and various apparatus. The pre-assembled couplingassembly can comprise a pipe fitting and a coupling retained on an endof the pipe fitting. It would be understood by one of skill in the artthat the disclosed pre-assembled coupling is described in but a fewexemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or descriptionshould be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of anyclaims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 is an end view of a pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 inaccordance with the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectionalview of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 of FIG. 1 taken alongline 2-2 as shown in FIG. 1. Angles and dimensions shown in FIGS. 1-22Bare merely exemplary and should not be viewed as limiting. Thestructures and components shown can be scaled upwards or downwards,reshaped, or resized in other aspects.

The pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 can comprise a pipe fitting 110and at least one coupling 170. In some aspects, the coupling 170 can bea slip-on coupling, such as the slip-on coupling described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,194,516, issued on Nov. 24, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

In the present aspect, the pre-assembly coupling assembly 100 cancomprise two couplings 170 a,b which can be substantially the same(referred to generally hereafter as “pipe coupling 170” or “pipecouplings 170” unless individually identified). Each coupling 170 cancomprise a housing 171 and a gasket 140 which can be enclosed andencircled by the respective housing 171. Each housing 171 can comprise afirst segment 172 a and a second segment 172 b. The first segment 172 acan define a pair of fastener ears 174 a disposed at opposite ends ofthe first segment 172 a. The second segment 172 b can define a pair offastener ears 174 b disposed at opposite ends of the second segment 172b. A pair of fasteners 176 a,b , which can comprise nuts and bolts insome aspects, can extend through the fastener ears 174 a of the firstsegment 172 a and the fastener ears 174 b of the second segment 172 b tosecure the first segment 172 a to the second segment 172 b.

In the present aspect, each housing 171 can be substantially circular inshape, and each of the segments 172 a,b can define a semicircular arcshape. Each housing 171 can define a coupling bore 182 extending throughthe housing 171 from a first end 178 a to a second end 178 b of thehousing 171. Each gasket 140 can be disposed within the respectivecoupling bore 182. The coupling bore 182 can define an axis 101. Thefirst segment 172 a can define a pair of shoulders 180 a disposed atopposite ends of the first segment 172 a and proximate to the respectivefastener ears 174 a. The second segment 172 b can define a pair ofshoulders 180 b disposed at opposite ends of the second segment 172 band proximate to the respective fastener ears 174 b.

In the present aspect, the couplings 170 can be in a relaxed position.In the relaxed position of the coupling 170 s, the shoulders 180 a canbe spaced apart from the shoulders 180 b, and the gasket 140 can berelaxed and uncompressed by the housing 171. The fasteners 176 a,b canbe tightened to reconfigure the coupling 170 from the relaxed positionto a tensioned position. In the tensioned position of the coupling 170,the shoulders 180 a of the first segment 172 a can be pressed againstthe shoulders 180 b of the second segment 172 b, and the gasket 140 canbe compressed radially inward relative to the axis 101. In some aspects,each segment 172 a,b can be deformed by the fasteners 176 a,b , to alignand engage the shoulders 180 a of the first segment 172 a with theshoulders 180 b of the second segment 172 b.

The pipe fitting 110 can extend into the coupling bore 182 of each ofthe couplings 170 at the first end 178 a of the housing 171 of eachrespective coupling 170.

In the aspect shown, the pipe fitting 110 can be a pipe 500, wherein thepipe is a raised-lip pipe 1412. The raised-lip pipe 1412 can define astandard grooved end 1402 and a raised-lip end 1404 disposed oppositefrom the standard grooved end 1402. The raised-lip end 1404 can define araised lip 518. The raised lip 518 can retain the coupling 170 a on theraised-lip end 1404 with the coupling 170 a in the relaxed position dueto interference between the raised lip 518 and the gasket 140 of thecoupling 170 a.

The standard grooved end 1402 does not define the raised lip 518. Thestandard grooved end 1402 can readily be inserted and withdrawn from thecoupling 170 b with the coupling 170 b in the relaxed position. Inpractice, the coupling 170 b can be comprised by a second pre-assembledcoupling assembly 100 (not shown) comprising a second raised-lip pipe(not shown) or other pipe fitting 110. The standard grooved end 1402 ofeach pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 can be stabbed into thecoupling 170 of an adjacent pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 andtightened to form a piping system. Similarly, a standard grooved end1402 of a second raised-lip pipe 1412 could be stabbed into the secondend 178 b of the coupling 170 a to join the raised-lip end 1404 of thepresent pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 to the standard grooved end1402 of the second raised-lip pipe 1412, such as to form a pipeline.

It can be desirable for the coupling 170 a to be retained on theraised-lip end 1404 of the raised-lip pipe 1412 so that thepre-assembled coupling assembly 100 can be easily attached to a secondraised-lip pipe (not shown). For example, a user can hold the secondraised-lip pipe 1412 with one hand, and the pre-assembled couplingassembly 100 can be slipped over the standard grooved end 1402 of thesecond raised-lip pipe 1412 with a second hand of the user.Additionally, because the coupling 170 a can be retained on theraised-lip pipe 1412, the user is less likely to lose or mix up parts,such as in a field environment, because the pre-assembled couplingassembly 100 may not come apart without a deliberate effort by the user.

In some aspects, both ends of the raised-lip pipe 1412 can be raised-lipends 1404, and both couplings 170 a,b can be retained on the respectiveends of the raised-lip pipe 1412 when the couplings 170 a,b are in therelaxed position. A similar configuration is shown by an elbow fitting2212 of FIGS. 5A-6C.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the raised-lip end 1404 of the raised-lip pipe1412 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the raised-lipend 1404 of the raised-lip pipe 1412 taken along line 4-4 shown in FIG.3. In the present aspect, an outer pipe surface 504 of the raised-lippipe 1412 can be substantially parallel with the axis 101, and a rampedsurface 619 of the raised lip 518 can define a 45-degree angle with theouter pipe surface 504. In other aspects, the ramped surface 619 can beangled relative to the outer pipe surface 504 at greater or fewer than45 degrees. In the present aspect, the raised lip 518 can extendradially outward about 0.100″ from the outer pipe surface 504; howeverin other aspects, the raised lip 518 can extend radially outward morethan or less than 0.100″.

FIGS. 5A-C show multiple views of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly 100 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be the elbowfitting 2212. FIG. 6A-C show multiple views of the elbow fitting 2212 ofFIGS. 5A-C. In the aspect shown, the elbow fitting 2212 can define afirst raised-lip end 2202 a and a second raised-lip end 2202 b disposedopposite from the first raised-lip end 2202 a. The first raised-lip end2202 a can be substantially similar to the second raised-lip end 2202 bin the present aspect. In other aspects, the elbow fitting 2212 candefine a standard grooved end, such as the standard grooved end 1402shown in FIG. 2, opposite from the first raised-lip end 2202 a. Thepre-assembled coupling assembly 100 can comprise a first coupling 170 aretained on the first raised-lip end 2202 a by a first raised lip 518 aand a second coupling 170 b retained on the second raised-lip end 2202 bby a second raised lip 518 b. In the present aspect, the firstraised-lip end 2202 a can define a groove 514 extending radially inwardinto the first raised-lip end 2202 a between an outer lip 512 and theraised lip 518 a.

In the present aspect, the elbow fitting 2212 can be a 90-degree elbow.In other aspects, the elbow fitting 2212 can be a different type ofelbow, such as a 45-degree elbow for example and without limitations. Inother aspects, the elbow fitting 2212 can define a U-shape or any othersuitable shape.

As shown, each raised-lip end 2202 a,b can define a plurality ofpressure relief channels 520 defined into the respective raised lip 518.In the present aspect, each raised-lip end 2202 a,b can define fourpressure relief channels 520 which can be equally circumferentiallyspaced around the raised lip 518. In other aspect, the raised-lip ends2202 a,b can define greater or fewer than four pressure relief channels520, and the pressure relief channels 520 can be distributed in anysuitable configuration around the raised lip 518.

FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the first raised-lip end2202 a of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 of FIGS. 5A-C takenalong line 5C-5C as shown in FIG. 5B with a pipe 500 in accordance withanother aspect of the present disclosure. In the present aspect, thepipe 500 can be a standard pipe, and the pipe end 502 can be a standardgrooved end 1402. The housing 171 of the coupling 170 a can define afirst ridge 578 a disposed at the first end 178 a of the housing 171 anda second ridge 578 b disposed at the second end 178 b of the housing171. The ridges 578 a,b can extend radially inward relative to the axis101. The housing 171 can define a gasket groove 570 within the couplingbore 182 which can be disposed between the ridges 578 a,b, and thegasket 140 can be seated within the gasket groove 570.

The gasket 140 can define a sealing ridge 548 a disposed proximate tothe first end 178 a of the housing 171 and a sealing ridge 548 bdisposed proximate to the second end 178 b of the housing 171. Thesealing ridges 548 a,b can extend radially inward from the gasket 140relative to the axis 101. The gasket 140 can also define a center ridge540 disposed between the sealing ridges 548 a,b. The center ridge 540can extend radially inward from the gasket 140, and the center ridge 540can define a pair of ribs 550 a,b at a radially innermost end of thecenter ridge 540. The gasket 140 can define a sealing channel 552 adisposed between the sealing ridge 548 a and the rib 550 a and a sealingchannel 552 b disposed between the sealing ridge 548 b and the rib 550b.

The pipe 500 can define an inner pipe surface 506 and an outer pipesurface 504 disposed opposite from the inner pipe surface 506. The innerpipe surface 506 can define a pipe bore 510 extending through the pipe500, and the pipe bore 510 can carry pressurized fluids through thepiping system. A circumferential groove 508 can be defined extendingradially inward into the outer pipe surface 504 relative to the axis101. The groove 508 can be disposed proximate to the end 502 of the pipe500. The second ridge 578 b can be configured to engage the groove 508when the end 502 of the pipe 500 is inserted into the coupling bore 182and the coupling 170 is in the tensioned position. When engaged with thegroove 508, the second ridge 578 b secures the coupling 170 to the pipe500 and prevents axial movement of the pipe 500 relative to the coupling170.

The first raised-lip end 2202 a can be substantially similar to thesecond raised-lip end 2202 b (second raised-lip end 2202 b shown in FIG.6C) of the elbow fitting 2212 in the present aspect. In other aspects,the raised-lip ends 2202 a,b can differ from one another. In theorientation shown, the raised-lip end 2202 a can be an inner end 516 ofthe pipe fitting 110 which is inserted into the coupling bore 182. Thefirst raised-lip end 2202 a can define an outer lip 512 which can bedisposed external to the coupling bore 182 when the first raised-lip end2202 a is inserted into the coupling bore 182. The outer lip 512 canextend radially outward from the elbow fitting 2212. In the presentaspect, the outer lip 512 can radially overlap with the first ridge 578a of the housing 171 when the coupling is in the relaxed position. Theouter lip 512 can provide a physical stop which can thereby preventover-insertion of the first raised-lip end 2202 a into the coupling bore182.

The raised lip 518 a can be disposed at the first raised-lip end 2202 a,and the raised lip 518 a can extend radially outward from the firstraised-lip end 2202 a relative to the axis 101. In the present aspect,the raised lip 518 a can be disposed radially inward from the outer lip512, therefore allowing the first raised-lip end 2202 a and the raisedlip 518 a to be inserted into the coupling bore 182 with the coupling170 in the relaxed position. In other aspects, the raised lip 518 canextend radially outwards beyond the first ridge 578 a with the coupling170 in the relaxed position, thereby preventing insertion and removal ofthe inner end 516 from the coupling bore 182. In such aspects, the firstsegment 172 a and the second segment 172 b of the housing 171 can beassembled around the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbow fitting2212 to capture the first raised-lip end 2202 a within the coupling bore182. In such aspects, the inner end 516 of the elbow fitting 2212 maynot be removed from the coupling bore 182 without disassembling thehousing 171.

The raised lip 518 can be sized to radially interfere with the sealingridge 548 a of the gasket 140 when the gasket 140 is in the relaxed anduncompressed state. For example, a radially outermost portion of theraised lip 518 can be disposed radially outward from a radiallyinnermost portion of the sealing ridge 548 a when the raised lip 518 isaxially positioned between the sealing ridges 548 a,b relative to theaxis 101. The gasket 140 can comprise an elastic material, such as arubber, a polymer, an elastomer, or any other suitable material, and thegasket 140 can be flexible and resilient.

Interference between the raised lip 518 and the sealing ridge 548 a canprevent accidental removal of the first raised-lip end 2202 a of theelbow fitting 2212 from the coupling bore 182 when the coupling 170 a isin the relaxed position. The sealing ridge 548 a can stretch over theraised lip 518 when the first raised-lip end 2202 a is inserted into orwithdrawn from the coupling bore 182. In the present aspect, the sealingridge 548 a can be in a relaxed state when the coupling 170 is in therelaxed position, and the sealing ridge 548 a is axially positionedbetween the raised lip 518 and the outer lip 512 of the first raised-lipend 2202 a relative to the axis 101.

In the present aspect, the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbowfitting 2212 can be withdrawn from the coupling bore 182 of the coupling170 a with a deliberate force when the coupling 170 a is in the relaxedposition. By exerting the deliberate force, the sealing ridge 548 a canstretch over the raised lip 518 to allow the elbow fitting 2212 to beremoved from the coupling 170 a. The resistance provided by the sealingridge 548 a can be optimized to prevent accidental disassembly of thepre-assembled coupling assembly 100 while still allowing for deliberatedisassembly of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 without unduedifficulty. For example, with the coupling 170 a in the relaxedposition, the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 can be disassembledwith the fingers of a user possessing typical hand strength without theneed for tools while also resisting separation of the coupling 170 afrom the elbow fitting 2212 by the force of gravity and general handlingof the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100. For example, the coupling170 a and the elbow fitting 2212 can resist separation if a user carriesthe pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 without supporting both thecoupling 170 a and the elbow fitting 2212.

In the present aspect, the first raised-lip end 2202 a can define agroove 514 extending radially inward into the first raised-lip end 2202a between the outer lip 512 and the raised lip 518. The groove 514 canbe configured to receive the first ridge 578 a of the housing 171 whenthe coupling 170 a is in the tensioned position. Engagement between thefirst ridge 578 a and the groove 514 can secure the elbow fitting 2212to the coupling 170 a and prevent the first raised-lip end 2202 a of theelbow fitting 2212 from being withdrawn from the coupling bore 182 whenthe coupling 170 a is in the tensioned position.

The raised lip 518 can define at least one pressure relief channel 520defined at the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbow fitting 2212.The pressure relief channel 520 can extend through the raised lip 518 asshown and further described with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10 below.

FIG. 8A is a detailed cross-sectional view of the pipe 500, the elbowfitting 2212, and the coupling 170 a of FIG. 7 with the coupling 170 ain the tensioned position and with the pre-assembled coupling assembly100 in a pressurized condition in which fluid is allowed to flow intothe pipe 500 to apply fluid pressure to the elbow fitting 2212 and thegasket 140. In the tensioned position, the gasket 140 can be compressedradially inward to form seals with the pipe 500 and the elbow fitting2212. The sealing ridge 548 a can form a seal with a sealing surface 612defined by the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbow fitting 2212. Inthe present aspect, the sealing surface 612 can be defined between theraised lip 518 a and the groove 514, and the raised lip 518 a can extendradially outward from the sealing surface 612. The sealing ridge 548 bcan form a seal with a sealing portion 604 of the outer pipe surface 504of the pipe 500 defined between the groove 508 and the end 502 of thepipe 500.

The raised lip 518 a can also define a ramped surface 619. The rampedsurface 619 can be angled, as shown in FIG. 6A, thereby taking the shapeof a truncated cone, or can be curved in other aspects. The angle orcurve of the ramped surface 619 can be configured to guide the sealingridge 548 a into position around the sealing surface 612 as the firstraised-lip end 2202 a is inserted into the coupling 170 a, and thegasket 140 can also be configured to prevent removal of the gasket 140from over the raised lip 518 a when the gasket 140 is in the relaxedposition.

The outer lip 512 can also define a ramped surface 613 facing axiallytowards the pipe 500. The ramped surface 613 can also define a side ofthe groove 514 axially outward from the coupling 170 a. The rampedsurface 613 can be angled, as shown in FIG. 8A, thereby taking the shapeof a truncated cone, or can be curved in other aspects, and can extendto a bottom of the groove 514. The angle or curve of the ramped surface613 can be configured to guide the first ridge 578 a into position inthe groove 514 when the coupling 170 a is tightened into the tensionedposition. The ramped surface 613 can thereby function as a locatingfeature to allow the user to ensure that the coupling 170 a is properlypositioned over the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbow fitting2212 and, when the pipe 500 is inserted into the coupling 170 a to abutthe first raised-lip end 2202 a, as shown in FIG. 8B, the coupling 170 ais likewise properly positioned over the pipe 500 such that the secondridge 578 b is aligned over the groove 508. Thus, when the coupling 170a is tightened into the tensioned position, the second ridge 578 b canbe properly guided into the groove 508. In various aspects, the groove514 can be narrower in the axial direction than the groove 508 so thatthe second ridge 578 b can be spaced slightly in the axial directionfrom sides of the groove 508. This can ensure that the second ridge 578b properly seats into the groove 508 without inadvertently contactingsides of the groove 508 when the coupling 170 a is tightened.

Further, the grooves 508,514 of the pipe 500 and the first raised-lipend 2202 a, respectively, can each define side stop surfaces 609,615,respectively. The side stop surfaces 609,615 act as stops to prevent thepipe 500 and the elbow fitting 2212, respectively, from being removedfrom the coupling 170 a when the coupling 170 a is in the tensionedposition by engaging the ridges 578 a,b when either or both of the pipe500 and the elbow fitting 2212 are pushed or pulled axially outward fromthe coupling 170 a, such as when the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100is in the pressurized condition.

FIG. 8A also shows that portions of the first segment 172 a and,similarly, the second segment 172 b (shown in FIG. 7) can contact theouter surfaces 504 of the pipe 500 and the elbow fitting 2212 adjacentto the grooves 508,514, respectively, when the coupling 170 a is in thetensioned condition. However, in other aspects, the segments 172 a,b maycontact only one or both of the grooves 508,514, or contact the groove508 and the outer surface of the elbow fitting 2212 adjacent to thegroove 514, or contact the groove 514 and the outer surface 504 of thepipe 500 adjacent to the groove 508.

In the tensioned position, the center ridge 540 can be compressedradially inward, and the rib 550 a can contact the raised lip 518 a. Insome aspects, the rib 550 a can form a secondary seal with the raisedlip 518 a. In the present aspect, the pressure relief channel 520 canmaintain fluid communication between the sealing channel 552 a and thepipe bore 510. By maintaining fluid communication between the sealingchannel 552 a and the pipe bore 510, pressurized fluids carried by thepipe 500 can exert pressure within the sealing channel 552 a which canenergize the seal formed between the sealing ridge 548 a and the sealingsurface 612 of the first raised-lip end 2202 a. The sealing channel 552a can define a U-shape of the sealing ridge 548 a, and pressure exertedwithin the sealing channel 552 a can press an axially inner end 648 a ofthe sealing ridge 548 a against the sealing surface 612. The sealingridge 548 b can function similarly, and pressurized fluids within thesealing channel 552 b can press an axially inner end 648 b of thesealing ridge 548 b against the sealing portion 604 of the outer pipesurface 504 of the pipe 500 to energize the seal between the sealingridge 548 b and the pipe 500.

FIG. 8B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the pipe 500, the elbowfitting 2212, and the coupling 170 a of FIG. 7 with the coupling 170 ain the relaxed position with the pipe 500 inserted into the coupling 170a and abutting the first raised-lip end 2202 a. The cross-section ofFIG. 8B is taken from a sectional line extending through mid-sections ofthe first segment 172 a and the second segment 172 b (shown in FIG. 7).When the pipe 500 is inserted into pre-assembled coupling assembly 100with a pipe fitting 110, the end 502 of the pipe 500 abuts an inner endof the pipe fitting 110, such as the first raised-lip end 2202 a in thisaspect. With the ramped surface 619 preventing withdrawal from thegasket 140 and thereby the coupling 170 a, and with the ramped surface613 preventing further insertion of the first raised-lip end 2202 a intothe coupling 170 a, the pipe 500 can thereby be held in position tolocate the second ridge 578 b over the groove 508. In the currentaspect, the sealing ridge 548 a can also be in contact with the sealingsurface 612 when the coupling 170 a is in the relaxed position, furtherholding the first raised-lip end 2202 a in the coupling 170 a.

As shown in FIG. 8B, in some aspects, the bottom of the groove 514 candefine a smaller diameter than a bottom of the groove 508. This canprovide the benefit of the second ridge 578 b rigidly contacting thepipe 500 before the first ridge 578 a contacts the elbow fitting 2212,ensuring that the coupling 170 a is rigidly attached to the pipe 500.The sealing surface 612 of the first raised-lip end 2202 a can alsodefine a larger diameter than the sealing portion 604 of the pipe 500,which can better hold the gasket 140, and thereby the coupling 170 a, onthe elbow fitting 2212. The diameter of the sealing surface 612 can besized such that the gasket 140 contacts the sealing surface 612 in therelaxed position, or can be sized such that the gasket 140 does notcontact the sealing surface 612 in the relaxed position but is closer tothe gasket 140 than the sealing portion 604.

FIG. 9 is a detail cross-sectional view of a one of the pressure reliefchannels 520 of FIGS. 6A-C taken along line 9-9 shown in FIG. 6B. Thepressure relief channel 520 can comprise an angled surface 1020 and anaxial surface 1018. The angled surface 1020 can be angled relative tothe first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbow fitting 2212 and relativeto the sealing surface 612. In the present aspect, the angled surface1020 can define an about 30-degree angle with the first raised-lip end2202 a of the elbow fitting 2212; however in other aspects, the anglecan be larger or smaller than 30 degrees. The axial surface 1018 can besubstantially parallel to the axis 101 (shown in FIG. 7) and the sealingsurface 612. The axial surface 1018 can be defined radially outward fromthe sealing surface 612 of the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbowfitting 2212 and radially inward from the raised lip 518 (shown in FIG.5).

The raised lip 518 can define a rounded transition surface 1016 definedat the first raised-lip end 2202 a of the elbow fitting 2212. The raisedlip 518 can define the ramped surface 619 extending to the sealingsurface 612. In the present aspect, the ramped surface 619 can define anabout 45-degree angle with the sealing surface 612; however, in otheraspects, the angle can be greater or smaller than 45 degrees.

FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view of another aspect of thepressure relief channels 520 of FIG. 6A-C taken along line 9-9 shown inFIG. 6B. Rather than defining the angled surface 1020 as shown in FIG.9, the pressure relief channel 520 can define a radial surface 1120,which can be substantially perpendicular to the axis 101 (shown in FIG.9) and the axial surface 1018. In the present aspect, the radial surface1120 can be substantially parallel to the first raised-lip end 2202 a ofthe elbow fitting 2212. In the present aspect, the radial surface 1120can extend completely across the first raised-lip end 2202 a of theelbow fitting 2212.

FIG. 11 shows another aspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100wherein the elbow fitting 2212 can define a secondary key 1378 extendingradially outward from a cylindrical portion 1314 of the elbow fitting2212 defined proximate to the inner end 516 of the elbow fitting 2212.The secondary key 1378 can be disposed adjacent to the groove 514, andthe groove 514 can be disposed between the secondary key 1378 and theinner end 516. In the present aspect, the inner end 516 may not definethe raised lip 518 (shown in FIG. 10) and may be a plain grooved end,similar to the standard grooved end 1402 of the raised-lip pipe 1412 ofFIG. 2.

The coupling 170 a can comprise a grooved housing 1371 comprisinganother aspect of the first segment 172 a and the second segment 172 b.The grooved housing 1371 can define a secondary shoulder 1370 attachedto the first ridge 578 a. A secondary groove 1372 can be defined betweenthe secondary shoulder 1370 and the first ridge 578 a. The secondary key1378 can be received within the secondary groove 1372 to retain thecoupling 170 a on the elbow fitting 2212.

During assembly, the coupling 170 a in the relaxed position can beslipped over the end 502 of the pipe 500, and the end 502 can bepositioned in facing engagement with the inner end 516 of the elbowfitting 2212. With the end 502 in facing engagement with the inner end516, the secondary key 1378 can be positioned adjacent to the firstridge 578 a. Once the coupling 170 a is in the tensioned position andthe pipe 500 is pressurized, the inner end 516 of the elbow fitting 2212can pull away from the end 502 of the pipe 500 due to end cap forcesfrom pressurized fluids transmitted by the pipe 500. Contact between thesecondary key 1378 and the secondary shoulder 1370 can limit axialmovement of the elbow fitting 2212 relative to the coupling 170 a andthe pipe 500.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of another aspect of thepre-assembled coupling assembly 100. The pipe fitting 110 can be arecessed elbow fitting 3012. The recessed elbow fitting 3012 can besimilar to the elbow fitting 2212 except that the recessed elbow fitting3012 can define a recessed raised-lip end 3002 in place of theraised-lip ends 2202 a,b (shown in FIG. 2). The outer lip 512 can bedisposed axially outward from the coupling 170 a with respect to theaxis 101. The recessed elbow fitting 3012 can define a shoulder 3060disposed between the sealing surface 612 and the raised lip 518. Theshoulder 3060 can extend radially inward from the sealing surface 612with respect to the axis 101. The recessed elbow fitting 3012 canfurther define a groove 3014 axially disposed between the raised lip 518and the shoulder 3060 with respect to the axis 101. The groove 3014 canextend radially inward from the raised lip 518 with respect to the axis101.

In the present aspect, the raised lip 518 can be a recessed raised lip3018 disposed radially inward from the sealing surface 612 with respectto the axis 101. The pressure relief channels 520 can be recessedpressure relief channels 3020 which can radially extend through therecessed raised lip 3018 and can axially extend between the recessedraised-lip end 3002 and the shoulder 3060 with respect to the axis 101.

In the present aspect, the gasket 140 can be a rimmed gasket 3040. Therimmed gasket 3040 can define an inner rim 3050 which can extendradially inward from the center ridge 540 of the rimmed gasket 3040. Theinner rim 3050 can define a radially inner end 3052. With the recessedraised-lip end 3002 disposed within the coupling bore 182, the inner rim3050 can be positioned adjacent to the shoulder 3060. The radially innerend 3052 of the inner rim 3050 can be received within the groove 3014 ofthe recessed elbow fitting 3012, and the recessed raised lip 3018 canradially overlap with the radially inner end 3052 of the inner rim 3050with respect to the axis 101. Radial overlap of the recessed raised lip3018 and the radially inner end 3052 can retain the coupling 170 a onthe recessed elbow fitting 3012 when the coupling 170 a is in therelaxed position.

The end 502 of the pipe 500 can also be inserted into the coupling bore182 with the coupling 170 a in the relaxed position. With the end 502 ofthe pipe 500 disposed within the coupling bore 182, the inner rim 3050can extend axially inwards from the rimmed gasket 3040 between the end502 of the pipe 500 and the shoulder 3060, thereby preventing contactbetween the end 502 of the pipe 500 and the shoulder 3060. The recessedraised-lip end 3002 can be inserted into the end 502 of the pipe 500.The recessed raised lip 3018 can define a tapered pipe alignment surfacewhich can facilitate insertion of the recessed raised-lip end 3002 ofthe recessed elbow fitting 3012 into the end 502 of the pipe 500.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of another aspect of thepre-assembled coupling assembly 100. The coupling 170 a of the presentaspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100 can comprise a C-stylegasket 3140 which may not define the center ridge 540 (shown in FIG. 7)of the gasket 140 (shown in FIG. 7). The C-style gasket 3140 can definea pair of sealing ridges 3148 a,b. In the present aspect, the sealingridges 3148 a,b can extend axially and radially inward relative to theaxis 101, as demonstrated by sealing ridge 3148 b, when the C-stylegasket 3140 is in a relaxed and uncompressed state. Once the end 502 ofthe pipe 500 (not shown) is inserted into the coupling 170 a, thesealing ridge 3148 b can stretch over the end 502 of the pipe 500 androtate radially outward with respect to the axis 101.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of another aspect of thepre-assembled coupling assembly 100 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can bea grooved elbow fitting 3212. The grooved elbow fitting 3212 can definean inner end 3202, and a circumferential groove 3222 can be defined atthe inner end 3202, and the circumferential groove 3222 can extendaround a circumference of the grooved elbow fitting 3212. Thecircumferential groove 3222 can be defined extending radially inwardfrom the sealing surface 612. In the present aspect, the circumferentialgroove 3222 can define a triangular cross-sectional shape; however inother aspects, the circumferential groove 3222 can define a differentcross-sectional shape, such as semi-circular, rectangular, or any othersuitable shape. In the present aspect, the raised lip 518 can be arecessed raised lip 3218 disposed radially inward from the sealingsurface 612 with respect to the axis 101. The inner end 3202 can alsodefine pressure relief channels 3220 extending radially through theinner end 3202 and intersecting the circumferential groove 3222 withrespect to the axis 101. With the end 502 of the pipe 500 inserted intothe coupling 170 a, the end 502 of the pipe 500 can contact the innerend 3202 of the grooved elbow fitting 3212.

The coupling 170 a can comprise a modified rimmed gasket 3240 which candefine an inner rim 3250 which can extend radially inward from thecenter ridge 540 with respect to the axis 101. A radially inner end 3252of the inner rim 3250 can define a cross-sectional shape formedcomplimentary to the cross-sectional shape of the circumferential groove3222. In the present aspect, the radially inner end 3252 can define thetriangular cross-sectional shape for example and without limitation. Theradially inner end 3252 of the inner rim 3250 can engage thecircumferential groove 3222, and engagement between the radially innerend 3252 and the circumferential groove 3222 can retain the coupling 170a on the inner end 3202 of the grooved elbow fitting 3212 when thecoupling 170 a is in the relaxed position.

FIGS. 15A-C show multiple views of another aspect of the pipe fitting110 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a weldolet 1812. The weldolet1812 can define a raised-lip end 1802 disposed opposite from a coped end1804. The raised-lip end 1802 can define the raised lip 518 and thepressure relief channels 520. The coped end 1804 can define a copedprofile 1808 configured to match a radius of curvature of a pipe (notshown). The coped end 1804 can also define a beveled edge 1806, and theweldolet 1812 can be configured to attach to an outer surface of thepipe (not shown), such as by welding, in order to attach a nipple forthe pipe (not shown). A coupling, such as the coupling 170 a of FIG. 1,can be slipped over the raised-lip end 1802 and retained by the raisedlip 518 to form another aspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly100. The weldolet 1812 can define a secondary key 1818, similar to thesecondary key 1378 shown in FIG. 11, which can act as a stop for thecoupling 170 a when the raised-lip end 1802 of the weldolet 1812 isinserted into the coupling 170 a. In some aspects, the coupling 170 canreceive the secondary key 1378 in a secondary groove (not shown) whichcan be similar to the secondary groove 1372 of the coupling 170 of theaspect of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 16A-C show multiple views of another aspect of the pipe fitting110 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a mechanical tee 1912. Themechanical tee 1912 can define a saddle 1906 configured to fit around anouter pipe surface of a pipe (not shown). The saddle 1906 can define apair of fastener holes 1908 which can receive fasteners (not shown) tosecure the mechanical tee 1912 to the other pipe. The mechanical tee1912 can define a raised-lip end 1902 disposed opposite from the saddle1906. In the present aspect, the mechanical tee 1912 can define a copedend 1904 disposed opposite from the raised-lip end 1902 which can extenddownwards between the saddle 1906. The coped end 1904 can be received bya hole (not shown) defined by the pipe, and the mechanical tee 1912 canbe secured and sealed to the other pipe to provide a tee connection. Acoupling, such as the coupling 170 a of FIG. 1, can be attached to theraised-lip end 1902 and retained by the raised lip 518 to form anotheraspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100.

FIGS. 17A-C show multiple views of another aspect of the pipe fitting110 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a tee fitting 2412. The teefitting 2412 can define three raised-lip ends 2402 a,b,c, respectivelydefining the raised lips 518 a,b,c. The raised-lip ends 2402 a,b can bedisposed opposite from one another on the tee fitting 2412, and theraised-lip end 2402 c can extend outwards substantially perpendicular tothe raised-lip ends 2402 a,b. In other aspects, one or more of theraised-lip ends 2402 a,b,c can be a standard grooved end, such as thestandard grooved end 1402 shown in FIG. 2, in place of a raised-lip end2402. Couplings 170, as shown in FIG. 1, can be slipped over any or allof the raised-lip ends 2402 a,b,c and retained by the respective raisedlips 518 a,b,c to form another aspect of the pre-assembled couplingassembly 100.

FIGS. 18A-D shows multiple views of another aspect of the pipe fitting110 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be an end-of-line elbow 2512. Theend-of-line elbow 2512 can define a raised-lip end 2502 and a socket end2504. The socket end 2504 can define a socket 2506. The socket 2506 canbe a threaded socket which can be configured to receive a threaded plug,a threaded pipe end, a hose connection, or any other suitable threadedfitting in the present aspect. In other aspects, the socket 2506 can bea tapered socket, as commonly used with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipingfor example and without limitation, or a weld socket, as commonly usedwith socket-weld pipe connections. The raised-lip end 2502 can definethe raised lip 518. A coupling 170, as shown in FIG. 1, can be slippedover the raised-lip end 2502 and retained by the raised lip 518 to formanother aspect of the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100.

FIGS. 19A-B show multiple views of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly 100 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a check valve2612. In the present aspect, the check valve 2612 can define a pair ofraised-lip ends 2602 a,b. The raised-lip end 2602 a can be disposedopposite from the raised-lip end 2602 b on the check valve 2612. Inother aspects, a one of the raised-lip ends 2602 a,b can be a standardgrooved end, such as the standard grooved end 1402 shown in FIG. 2. Eachraised-lip end 2602 a,b can respectively define the raised lip 518 a,b.The couplings 170 a,b can be positioned and retained on the raised-lipends 2602 a,b, respectively.

FIGS. 20A-B shows multiple views of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly 100 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a disc valve2712. In the present aspect, the disc valve 2712 can define a pair ofraised-lip ends 2702 a,b. The raised-lip end 2702 a can be disposedopposite from the raised-lip end 2702 b on the disc valve 2712. In otheraspects, a one of the raised-lip ends 2702 a,b can be a standard groovedend, such as the standard grooved end 1402 shown in FIG. 14. Eachraised-lip end 2702 a,b can respectively define the raised lip 518 a,b.The couplings 170 a,b can be positioned and retained on the raised-lipends 2602 a,b, respectively.

FIGS. 21A-C show multiple views of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly 100 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a ball valve2812. In the present aspect, the ball valve 2812 can define a pair ofraised-lip ends, as represented by the raised-lip end 2802. Theraised-lip end 2802 can respectively define the raised lip 518. Thecouplings 170 a,b can be positioned and retained on the raised-lip ends,respectively.

FIGS. 22A-B show multiple views of another aspect of the pre-assembledcoupling assembly 100 wherein the pipe fitting 110 can be a flangedfitting 2912. The flanged fitting 2912 can define a raised-lip end 2902and a flanged end 2904. The flanged end 2904 can define a flange 2906configured to couple with a flange (not shown) of another pipe fitting(not shown). The raised-lip end 2902 can define the raised lip 518. Inthe relaxed position, the coupling 170 can be retained on the raised-lipend 2902 by interference between the raised lip 518 and the gasket 140.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of another aspect of the elbow fitting2012 wherein each of the raised-lip ends 2002 a,b is a stop lip end 1712a,b, respectively, in accordance with another aspect of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 23B is a side view of the elbow fitting 2012 of FIG.23A. On the elbow fitting 2012, each of the raised lips 518 a,b can be astop lip 1718 a,b. The stop lips 1718 a,b can be spaced inward towardsthe adjacent outer lip 512 and away from the respective stop lip end1712 a,b. The pressure relief channels 520 can also be defined bycircumferential gaps 1720 in the respective stop lips 1718 a,b in thepresent aspect.

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional detail view of the stop lip end 1712 ataken along line 23C-23C shown in FIG. 23A. The stop lip end 1712 a canalso be representative of the stop lip end 1712 b. The stop lip end 1712a can define a bore 1790, and the bore 1790 can define an axis 1701.Unlike the raised lips 518 a,b of the aspects of the elbow fitting 2212of FIGS. 5A-8B, in this aspect, the raised lip 518 a, stop lip 1718 a,does not extend to the stop lip end 1712 a, itself. Instead, a stepsurface 1716 can be defined between the stop lip 1718 a and the stop lipend 1712 a. In the present aspect, the step surface 1716 can be acylindrical surface. In the present aspect, the step surface 1716 can beradially aligned with the sealing surface 612; however in other aspects,the step surface 1716 can be defined radially inward or radially outwardfrom the sealing surface 612. In the present aspect, the step surface1716 can be defined radially outward from the groove 514 but radiallyinward from the stop lip 1718 a and the outer lip 512. In the presentaspect, the stop lip 1718 a can extend radially outwards even with theouter lip 512; however in other aspects, the stop lip 1718 a can extendradially outwards beyond the outer lip 512.

The stop lip 1718 a can define an outer surface 1719 a facing the outerlip 512 and an inner surface 1719 b facing the stop lip end 1712 a ofthe elbow fitting 2212. The outer surface 1719 a can define an outerangle Ai relative to a radial direction of the axis 1701, and the innersurface 1719 b can define an inner angle A₂ relative to the radialdirection of the axis 1701. In the present aspect, each of the anglesA₁,A₂ can be less than 45 degrees. In some aspects, the angles A₁,A₂ canbe 0 degrees, and the inner surface 1719 a and the outer surface 1719 bcan be parallel to the radial direction of the axis 1701.

FIG. 24A is an end view of an aspect of the pre-assembled couplingassembly 100 comprising the elbow fitting 2212 of FIGS. 23A-C. FIG. 24Bis a cross-sectional detail side view of the stop lip end 1712 a of thepre-assembled coupling 100 of FIG. 24A taken along line 24B-24B shown inFIG. 24A with the pipe 500 of FIG. 7. In the present aspect, the stoplip 1718 a can be specifically shaped to prevent insertion andwithdrawal of the stop lip end 1712 a of the elbow fitting 2212 into thecoupling bore 182 when the coupling 170 a is in the relaxed position.For example, the stop lip 1718 a can extend radially outward far enoughto radially overlap with the ridge 578 a. Consequently, if a userattempts to insert the stop lip end 1712 a into the coupling bore 182 inthe relaxed state or remove the stop lip end 1712 a from the couplingbore 182 in the relaxed state, interference between the stop lip 1718 aand the ridge 578 a will prevent the user from succeeding. Instead, theuser must disassemble the coupling 170 a by separating the first segment172 a from the second segment 172 b of the housing 171 to insert orremove the stop lip end 1712 a from the coupling bore 182. Therefore, toassemble the pre-assembled coupling 100, the user must first insert thestop lip end 1712 a into the gasket 140 and then assembled the housing171 around the gasket 140 in the present aspect. In some aspects, thestop lip end 1712 a cannot be stabbed into the gasket 140 without a toolto aid in expanding the sealing ridge 548 a over the stop lip 1718 a,particularly in aspects wherein the inner angle A₂ (shown in FIG. 23C)approaches a very small value, such as less than 10 degrees.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the elbow fitting 2212 defining another aspectof the stop lip ends 1712 a,b wherein the raised lip 518 is a continuousstop lip 1918 which does not define the circumferential gaps 1720 (shownin FIG. 23A).

To pre-assemble the pre-assembled coupling assembly 100, the inner end516 of the pipe fitting 110 can be inserted into a relaxed gasket 140,without the housing 171 assembled around the gasket 140,3140 so that theinner end 516 can be axially positioned between the sealing ridges 548a,b,3148 a,b. In some aspects, the sealing ridge 548 a can contact thesealing surface 612 of the pipe fitting 110. As discussed above, inaspects defining the stop lip 1718 a,b, a tool or tools may be requiredto stretch the sealing ridge 548 a over the stop lip 1718 a,b.

In aspects of the pipe fitting 110 such as that of FIGS. 1-8, 13,15-22B, the gasket 140,3140 can be retained on the inner end 516 of thepipe fitting 110 due to interference between the sealing ridge 548a,3148 a and the raised lip 518. In such aspects the sealing ridge 548a,3148 a can be stretched over the raised lip 518 when inserting theinner end 516 through the sealing ridge 548 a,3148 a and elasticresistance of the sealing ridge 548 a,3148 a can resist withdrawal ofthe inner end 516 outward through the sealing ridge 548 a,3148 a,thereby retaining the relaxed gasket 140,3140 on the pipe fitting 110.In aspects of the pipe fitting 110 such as those of FIGS. 12 and 14, theinner rim 3050,3250 of the gasket 140 can stretch over the raised lip518,3018,3218 upon insertion of the inner end 516 into the relaxedgasket 140,3040,3240, and the inner rim 3050,3250 can seat in the groove3014,3222. Elastic resistance of the inner rim 3050,3250 can resistwithdrawal of the inner end 516 of the pipe fitting 110 back through theinner rim 3050,3250, thereby retaining the relaxed gasket 140 on theinner end 516 of the pipe fitting 110. In these aspects of the pipefitting 110, the housing 171 of the coupling 170 can then be assemblearound the gasket 140,3040,3140,3240 by positioning the gasket140,3040,3140,3240 within the gasket groove 570 of the segments 172 a,band fastening the segments 172 a,b together with the fasteners 176 a,b.The gasket 140,3040,3140,3240 can then retain the coupling 170 on theinner end 516 of the pipe fitting 110.

Alternatively, for the aspect of the pipe fitting shown in FIG. 11, thecoupling 170 may not be retained on the inner end 516 of the pipefitting 110 by elastic resistance of the gasket 140. Instead the relaxedgasket 140 can be freely slipped over the inner end 516 with no orminimal resistance, and the grooved housing 1371 can be assembled aroundthe gasket 140 and the secondary key 1378. The segments 172 a,b can bealigned so that the gasket 140 fits within the gasket groove 570, andthe secondary key 1378 fits within the secondary groove 1372, therebyretaining the coupling 170 on the pipe fitting 110 through interferencebetween the secondary groove 1372 and the secondary key 1378.

Once the coupling 170 is secured on the inner end 516 of the pipefitting 110, the pipe 500 or another pipe fitting 110 can be stabbedinto the assembled coupling 170 opposite from the pipe fitting 110 whenthe coupling 170 is in the relaxed position. The coupling 170 can thenbe tightened to the tensioned position by tightening the fasteners 176a,b, thereby securing and sealing the pipe fitting 110 to the pipe 500or another pipe element. In other aspects, the assembled coupling 170 inthe relaxed position can be slipped over the pipe fitting 110 to securethe coupling 170 on the inner end 516 of the pipe fitting 110. Bycontrast, aspects defining the stop lip 1718 a,b can be specificallyconfigured to prevent the assembled coupling 170 from being slipped overthe stop lip 1718 a,b.

The disclosed examples of pipe fittings 110 are exemplary and should notbe viewed as limiting. The pipe fitting 110 can be any type of fittingsuch as a reducer, sprinkler, wye fitting, nipple, trap, valve,regulator, adapter, quick disconnect coupling end, or any other suitabletype of fitting.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method for using a pre-assembled couplingassembly, the method comprising: providing a pipe fitting defining aninner end and an outer end, the pipe fitting defining an axis; axiallyinserting the inner end of the pipe fitting into a gasket, a portion ofthe pipe fitting within the gasket positioned radially outward from aportion of the gasket; and assembling a housing around the gasket, thehousing and the gasket comprising a coupling, the coupling retained onthe inner end of the pipe fitting when the coupling is in a relaxedposition.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning asealing ridge of the gasket axially between the inner end and the outerend.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising stretching a sealingridge of the gasket over a raised lip of the pipe fitting, the raisedlip defined between the inner end and the outer end.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein assembling a housing around the gasket comprisesfastening at least one segment around the gasket, the at least onesegment defining a gasket groove, the gasket seated within the gasketgroove.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting an end ofa pipe into the coupling.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingengaging an inner rim of the gasket with a groove of the pipe fitting.